Mendham Borough Schools Mendham, NJ

Mendham Borough Schools Mendham, NJ
WEEKLY BULLETIN
October 7, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 1
……………………………… Message from the Superintendent
Page 2
……………………………… Message from the Special Services
Page 2
……………………………… News from Hilltop School
Page 5
……………………………… News from Mountain View School
Page 9
……………………………… Home School Association Happenings
Page 11
……………………………… Mendham Borough Library Happenings
Page 12
……………………………… Community Happenings
FROM DR. JANIE EDMONDS, SUPERINTENDENT
Greetings. Caring reminder: Your schools will be closed during teachers’ full day of inservice learning on Monday, Columbus Day.
Our in-service days are precious to our goals of continual reflection and improvement. Mr.
Dave Moser, our Director of Learning and Instruction, organized the day’s plans. He used
input from teacher-teams, principals, local superintendents, and his own local counterparts to
make it a valuable day of shared work among the districts.
Two Board goals are addressed by various parts of the day’s work:
The first concerns the needs of students for the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and
Knowledge (NJASK) in Language Arts Literacy. Our general and special education
teachers will invest much of the day expanding their understanding and incorporation of the
new national common core standards into their curriculum and instruction. It is a tricky
balance to build support for the challenges of a standardized test while ensuring the wider
development of truly excellent reading and writing skills.
The second goal seeks concentrated review of instructional goals for Spanish and Chinese
language and culture learning. The four other constituent districts join us in that work. World
language teachers will review best practice in world language instruction and then go to
Mendham High to begin to develop a common curriculum for world languages, using added
insight from high school educators.
While you enjoy a delightful long, fall weekend, we hope you also enjoy knowing that your
teachers are developing new plans and understandings.
With our best wishes and regards, as always,
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Message from the Special Services
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Special Education Parent Meeting
Thursday Evening, October 27, 2011 7:00-8:30
Hilltop School Media Center
RSVP: [email protected]
The Principal’s Page – Mr. David Heller
Week of Respect
Students spent every morning this week focusing on RESPECT.
Throughout the year we will be dedicating a monthly morning meetings to all six pillars of character CARING is the focus in October and November - building on each pillar as the year progresses.
Thank You For Your Support
The soreness in my legs has finally subsided! Thank you to all of the families who supported last
week's Harvest Hustle. It is a great way for the community to support our HSA and honor
Sgt.
Rich Morales.
Safety at Drop-off …
Drop-off is a very busy time, as 335 students converge on Hilltop School. Safety is our number one
priority. Please drop off using our line that heads down the hill towards the patio. Please do not drop
off in the parking lot near the medical building. It is not safe for children to cross through the parking
lot unattended.
…and Dismissal
You may have noticed new signs and police presence on Hilltop Road this past week. A new town
ordinance was passed that limits parking in front of Hilltop School, as well as a few spots in front of
the Nursery School next door.
Fire Prevention Week
Next week is Fire Prevention Week. Our dedicated volunteer fire fighters will be here on Tuesday to
talk about fire safety. Some of the key points they will cover is changing batteries in smoke and CO2
detectors and having a family meeting place in case of an emergency. Take some time to discuss these
and other safety precautions with your children so they understand their importance.
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We have been learning so many wonderful things in First Grade! We started our year by
learning about manners and how to be a good friend. We learned to say please and thank you
when someone gives you something. We learned that it is polite to say excuse me, instead of
interrupting someone who is talking. All of these great manners have helped the children
become even better friends to each other. They are sharing, taking turns and helping each
other out. We are off to a great start! Be sure to visit the first grade hallway to find out how first graders are
good friends to each other.
Our Character Education pillar, Respect, has combined nicely with our first unit. The children are using
manners to be respectful to other children, teachers, adults and our school. Help your child at home by
continuing to talk about all the ways they can be respectful.
SECOND GRADE NEWS….
Second grade is in full swing! We started off our year getting to know
each other and taking time to reflect about ourselves as learners. Each student
created a Glyph for our hallway that tells about the type of learner they are. In collaboration with this
reflection period, each second grader thought about their hope or dream for what they want to accomplish
this year in school. Along with our individual reflections, each class collaborated to create their own
classroom rules that will enable us to have safe, comfortable learning environments for the school year.
Starting off the year with these valuable discussions and activities brought each classroom together into a
team of learners. We look forward to seeing how far we grow this year together!
In math, the second graders have been reviewing number patterns and sequences, telling time,
counting coin and dollar amounts, giving equivalent names for numbers, and comparing numbers using the
symbols <, >, and =. Please remember to practice addition and subtraction facts at home. As the students
progress through Unit Two, it will benefit them to have increased math fact power. Also, be sure to visit our
team website to check out the online games to practice math skills.
We are coming to the end of our launching units in reading and writing workshop. All students are
now shopping for books in their “Just Right” strategy levels. They have a reading and writing peer partner
and are becoming experts on how to have independence and confidence in their decision making throughout
the workshop periods. This week, students also began bringing home a strategy book to practice two nights
a week. Please be sure to return all school books each day and keep them in the plastic baggie to protect
them for continued use. Next week we will begin preparing for our reading and writing workshop
celebrations. Be sure to ask your son or daughter about the celebrations!
The second grade scientists are engaged in their studies on the seasons and matter. Students used the
Kidspiration computer software to create a graphic organizer depicting their knowledge of each season as a
culminating activity to the unit. They have been exploring the states of matter and the unique properties of
water. Ask your second graders to share their surface tension experiments with you. Check out our newly
updated science section on our team website for more information.
Thanks again for a wonderful Back to School Night! We enjoyed meeting so many of the families and
sharing the children’s school routine with you. We believe in a team approach to guiding the children
academically and socially and appreciate the support coming from home.
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October includes many reminders to be healthy. It is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Healthy
Lung Month.
The students are off to a great start walking to school. It was great to see so many children excited and
energized after their walk on Wednesday. The air was so crisp and clean and this all helps to keep our planet
GREEN. Although mornings are often very busy for many working parents, it is important to find
opportunities in the day for the children to get opportunities for daily exercise.
Information and posters in my office reflect how we can keep our lungs healthy along with Asthma/Allergy
awareness literature.
The staff will be celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink on Friday, October 21st along
with a donation of $5.00 to the American Cancer Society. It serves as a good reminder to take care of
yourselves and schedule your Dr. Appointments.
Stay tuned for RED RIBBON WEEK activities for the fourth grade at the end of the month.
Although September is over, Lice Prevention should not end. Please continue to make it a part of your
routine to examine your child’s scalp on a regular basis. Two cases of head lice have been reported. As
always, feel free to stop by or contact me by e-mail for assistance.
Carol Anne Pagana
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MOUNTAIN VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
October 7, 2011
Mr. Heller and I have realized that Mendham Borough is really serious about its running. We
will begin training early for next year’s Harvest Hustle.
I want to thank all the parents that came out to support both the Harvest Hustle and the 8th
Grade Fair. Without your continued support, these events that support our students would
not be possible. My wife and children truly enjoyed the day. It was a great way to kick off
the month of October.
With school life well under way, all our lives have become busier - balancing work, after
school activities, homework, and bedtime routines. Time management, planning, routines, and
flexibility become very important. Please check the website and your child’s grade level team
Sit down with your child to
map out his/her week. Make a plan that includes time for homework
and extra curricular activities but more importantly, free time and
family time. I have been meeting with teams to discuss how we can support parents in
calendar for upcoming assignments and assessments.
this effort to minimize stress that our students are feeling with all these responsibilities.
Interim grades are due today from teachers. You can expect an email blast from them if you
have not been checking Jupiter Grades. Please be sure to communicate with teachers and if
there are issues with communication, please let me know.
Language Literature:
Weekly Activities for Grade 8 Language Literacy Class: (September & October, 2011)
Reading Workshop – Students have been completed activities from their two summer novels. In
addition, the historical fiction genre unit has begun, which incorporates literary devices,
advanced comprehension, and application skills.
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Writing Workshop – Students have been busy writing entries in their reading and writing
notebooks. Some entries will be used for the memoir genre in the spring. They also have reviewed
and applied sensory descriptions and specific details using a variety of activities and modalities to
add depth and meaning to their writing.
“Share a Book with a Parent” Program - The “Share a Book with a Parent” program has been
launched. Parents, please continue to discuss book choices to share with your child. Non-fiction
and “How to…” selections are preferable, as well as motivational, or travel books for a future
vacation, etc. The selection forms for parents to sign are available to students, and are also
posted on the class web page. The deadline for selecting your shared reading is Friday, November
18, 2011 and the date for completing the shared book is Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Thank you
for your participation and enthusiasm.
Math:
Our 8th Grade Algebra classes are learning about solving Simultaneous Equations. We have solved
by graphing, substitution and linear combination methods. Students know how to use all methods,
but are to choose the one they are most comfortable with. We will be having a Unit 1
Assessment on Friday, October 14. Once we complete Unit 1, we will begin the Break Even
Project, where students become entrepreneurs and business owners!
Science:
Through scientific inquiry activities students have investigated a problem, developed hypotheses,
used measurement tools, collected and recorded data, and communicated their findings in writing.
8th graders will continue their work in the laboratory comparing qualitative and quantitative
characteristics of various types of matter. The students will continue their scientific
investigation in the lab with a concentration on the general properties of matter including mass,
weight, volume and density of liquids and solids. They will compare the densities of solids and
liquids and distinguish between the physical and chemical changes that occur in matter. Study
skills and technological skills will be implemented throughout the 8th grade science program.
Social Studies:
This week we finished our investigation of Unit 1’s question: Does culture or the individual form
someone’s identity? Students utilized their knowledge of people such as Charles Manson, Adolf
Hitler, the Nazi War Criminals, Andrew Carnegie, Wangari Maathai, Prince Vlad III, and Ghandi
as well as cultures including Colonial India, 1960s America, Gilded Age America, Kenya, Weimar
Germany, and Wallachia in order to answer the unit question. This week we also began our
investigation of bias in historical sources. We began this unit by examining famous historical
photographs and deciding how they impacted the audience. Lastly, the week closed with a short
investigation of how bullying and Unit 2 intersect in honor of Respect Week.
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BASKETBALL:
Students in grades 6-8 who are trying out for winter sports
MUST
have their completed health forms in to the school nurse by Friday, October 21, 2011.
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE A CURRENT PHYSICAL FORM (Currently means within the last
365 days to the date of tryouts) ON FILE IN THE HEALTH OFFICE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO
TRY OUT FOR WINTER SPORTS.
CHEERLEADERS SPORT PHYSICALS ARE DUE:
OCTOBER 14th,2011.
Please contact the health office at 973-543-7075 if you are unsure about your child’s
eligibility. Information and physical forms are Posted on the Mountain View web site
www.mendhamboro.org, scroll down to the Nurse’s office. Dates of tryouts will follow.
Forms must be completed and handed in to Mrs. Barrett.
Dates to Remember:
October
7
MV Outdoor Movie Night 6:30
10
School closed (in service day for teachers)
12
Fire Prevention Month Assembly
13
School picture day
25
Board of Education Meeting
31
Halloween Spooktacular
November
6
Daylight saving time ends
7,8,9 Parent Teacher Conferences
9
First marking period ends
10, 11 School Closed (Teachers Convention)
15
Board of Education Meeting
16
HSA General Meeting 6:45 pm MV Café
18
Report cards distributed
2525-25 School Closed (Thanksgiving)
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Eco-Friendly Totes On Sale Now!
These bags are not to be confused with the lightweight, reusable grocery bags available
at most retail outlets. These sturdy, washable totes are made – here in the USA – of
recycled cotton. It’s estimated that each one will replace over 1000 plastic grocery bags
during its lifetime of use AND they’re cute too! The bags will also be on sale at the
gazebo next week.
TO PURCHASE ONLINE:
visit our web storefront by following these
instructions:
go to www.virescentshopper.com
Click on “Start Shopping”
Type in “Mountain View”,
click “Go” to purchase!
Proceeds benefit the Class of 2012’s spring trip to
Washington DC. Thanks for your support.
For additional information, contact Diane Alfieri – [email protected].
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HSA HAPPENINGS
HSA’s Harvest Hustle Committee thanks you for
your support of the 3rd Annual Harvest Hustle
5K & Kids’ Fun Run!
Because of the great turnout:
Mr. Bigsby will be sporting a new hair color!
Mrs. Steiner’s 1st Graders will have an ice cream party!
Mr. Blockus’ 7th Grade homeroom will get ice cream in the
cafeteria!
Mrs. Pirozzi, Ms. Borie, Mrs. Perfilio & Mrs. Abramson will
have lunch at a local Mendham restaurant!
Many thanks to our community partners: Mendham Borough Volunteer Fire Department,
EMTs, Department of Public Works and Police Department
Thanks to our sponsors and honor roll: Maplecrest Ford, American Financial Resources,
Inc., Verizon, Accenture, Keller Williams Towne Square Realty, Turpin Realtors, Hollister
Construction Services, inVentive Health, CamelBak, Green Drinks 2 Go, Honest Beverages,
Wholly Wholesome, Unique Belgique, Johanna Foods, Cheshire Soccer LLC, Mendham
Capital Management, LLC, Ralston Nurseries, Inc., Dr. Steven Sclafani Orthopedics &
Sports Medicine, Firm Body Fitness, Future Home Technologies, Kings, Life in Motion
Photography, Morristown Running Company, R.F. Enderley Co., Inc., St. Mark’s Episcopal
Church, Hilltop Christian Nursery School, St. Joseph School, Wicker Basket, Somerset Hills
Bank, Dorothy Del Guercio School of Dance, Alstede Farm, Antonius Family, Fechelm
Family, Main Street Kennels, Winne Family
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Mendham Borough HSA
Come spend an evening under the Harvest Moon at the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off!
When: Saturday, November 5th, 4 – 7 p.m.
Where: Alstede Farms, Harvest Hall
Bring the whole family and enjoy:
Hayrides
DJ, dancing and musical games
Hot dogs and beverages
Bonfire and S’mores
Bring a flashlight and explore the Corn maze (additional cost at door)
Chili Cook-off entry requirements: Prepare a large crock pot (approx 3 quarts) of your favorite chili
(don’t forget the fixins). Please indicate on the form below what type of chili you will be entering. Decorate
your table (optional). You may arrive ½ hour before event for set up.
Coolest Cake Contest: Get the kids, channel your inner Betty Crocker and enter a really cool cake.
People’s choice and 1st Place prizes will be awarded for the Best Chili and Coolest Cake.
Volunteers needed!! Please email Beth Bierals at [email protected] if you are interested in helping.
************************************************************************************
Chili Cook-off RSVP and Entry form
Family Name: ____________________________________ # in party: ________
Contact #:______________________
E-mail:_________________________
Chili entry:
Spicy ___ Non-beef (turkey, chicken, pork) ___ Vegetarian ___ Classic ____
Will you be entering a cake? Yes ____ No ____
Price: $20 per family with chili entry, $30 per family without chili entry, $40 per family at the door
Bring a friend for $5/person
Total $ included:_________
Please make checks payable to Mendham Borough H.S.A. – Return to school with your child in an envelope marked “H.S.A. Chili
Cook-off” or mail to Anne Parker – 15 Forest Drive.
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Mendham Borough Library
Ongoing Programs
Sing-A-Long with Mary KornickMondays: Toddlers at 10:30 am
Preschool Story TimeThursdays at 10:30 am & 2:00 pm
After School Book Clubs
Kindergarten Kids – Tuesday from 3:15 – 4:15 pm
1st Grade – Thursdays from 3:15 – 4:15 pm
2nd Grade – Mondays from 3:15 – 4:15 pm
3rd and 4th Grade Book Club – Wednesdays from 3:15 – 4:15 pm
Middle School Book Club – Thursdays from 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Teen Group For middle and high school students. Have fun discussing books, previewing new books, and planning fun
activities. Volunteer opportunities also available to this group throughout the year. This group meets the
first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm.
Chess Club Returns this Fall – Thursday, Oct. 13th 6:30-7:45 pm.
For kids in 3rd – 8th grade. Join chess instructor Marty Sobin and learn new tips, improve your game and
have fun playing with friends. This group meets one Thursday evening a month and meetings will begin in
October. Please call or stop by the library to register.
LEGO Club – Saturday, Oct. 29th 1 to 2 pm.
Have fun building your own Lego creation at the library. Bring your imagination and we’ll supply the Legos.
This popular group meets one Saturday a month – first meeting Saturday, Sept. 24th from 1-2 pm. Please call
of stop by to register. All ages welcome!
Special Events:
Halloween Fun with Food – Friday, Oct 21st at 3:30 pm
Decorate and enjoy haunted treats and a Halloween-themed craft.
Halloween Bingo w/prizes – Friday, Oct. 28th at 3:30pm
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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Upcoming PTO/Maplecrest Ford Fundraising
Event:
Drive One 4UR School!
Take 10 Minutes to Test-Drive a Ford and Join the Fun!
For Each Test Drive, Ford Donates $20 to WMMHS!
WHEN: Sunday, October 23rd, 11am-3pm
Rain or Shine!
WHERE: West Morris Mendham HS
WHAT: Test-drive a 2012 Maplecrest Ford vehicle at Mendham High School
and earn $20 for the MHS PTO (one donation per family, Divers must be at least
18 yrs of age).
TELL YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS
to take a test drive and help WMMHS raise up to $8,000!
The more test-drives, the more the school earns!
Free Hot Dogs, Chips, & Drinks
Booster Club Fair
plus
Each qualified test-driver will automatically be entered to win
a $100 Gift Card from Best Buy,
a GPS navigation device, and more!
Questions? Contact:
Lisa Kozak, Maplecrest Ford:
[email protected]; 973-543-2531 X100, or
Geri Keroack, WMMHS PTO; [email protected]; 973-543-0152
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Looking for a Preschool??
Neighbors and Newcomers of the Mendhams
Invites you to join us
At our
ANNUAL PRESCHOOL FAIR
Open House
Friday, October 14th 9:30am to 11:30am
Garabrant Center, 2 Wilson Street
We will have 9 preschools from the local area on hand for
you to talk to about their classes and programs.
Newcomers & Neighbors of the Mendhams is a social organization which provides activities and special
occasions where members can get together for fun and friendship. www.mendhamnn.com
Halloween Poster Contest
Sponsored by the Mendham Junior Women’s Club
Do Ghosts and Goblins bring out your creative side? We would like to see!
Contest Rules
•
All entries must be students in K – 4th grades (only one entry per student)
•
Create a unique Halloween work of art on 8 ½” x 11” paper using any materials you would like. Be
imaginative but don’t go any bigger!
•
•
It’s that simple! Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and
Send your entry with your name, grade and
school written clearly on the back to your
school office no later than Friday, October
14th.
3rd place, for each grade level and winning entries will
be displayed in Mendham!
Questions? Email [email protected]
Please indicate on the back that it for
“MJWC’s Halloween Poster Contest”
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